Mariupol, a strategic point in <a href="https://time.news/mega-storm-hits-southern-russia-and-ukraine/" title="“Mega storm” hits southern Russia and Ukraine”>Ukraine
20 days of records from AP reporters
People are brought to hospital emergency rooms with their bodies covered in blood. Some had one of their legs cut off. Another person was burned and his face melted. A child who was hit by an artillery shell while playing soccer with his friends in the neighborhood, a newborn who couldn’t breathe after being crushed by a collapsed building after being hit by a missile… .
Parents cry out while holding their children who passed away before them. The doctor, exhausted from cleaning up the corpse, looks at the camera and says: “Keep filming. “Please show Russian President Vladimir Putin this child’s eyes and the crying doctors.”
The movie ’20 Days in Mariupol’, which will be released in Korea on the 6th, is a documentary about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This is a work that includes a wide range of footage that was not reported in the news among the records filmed by Associated Press reporters over 20 days in Mariupol, a strategic point in southeastern Ukraine in February 2022.
The movie begins with the narration, “Wars begin with silence, not explosions.” The camera shows the dry city of Mariupol, where war is imminent. An explosion occurs outside and people panic. One woman grabs a reporter and asks, “Where should we run away?” The wildly shaking camera angle and the panting sounds of the reporters convey the rapidly changing atmosphere of the scene.
Mariupol is gradually turning into ruins. Soldiers come and go on the streets, and the sound of fighter jets flying here and there can be heard. Hospitals are full of injured or dead children. People cry, “Didn’t Russia say it doesn’t
Reporters constantly worry about reporting ethics. In the early stages of the war, people refused to cover the story, saying, “Why are you taking pictures of me?” and “It’s a joke.” There was also a Ukrainian soldier who disapproved, saying he couldn’t help but only carried a camera. However, as time passes, people welcome cameras. This is because the Internet has been cut off in Mariupol, which has been under blockade since the 8th day, making it impossible to report the tragedy. This is why the reporters who said, “I am worried about what to do between helping people and taking pictures with the camera” did not let go of the camera until the end.
The biggest virtue of the movie is that it focuses on the ‘victims’. There was almost no military tug-of-war, such as the Russian bombing scene or the Ukrainian soldiers’ counterattack. Instead, it is impressive that it gazes at the cruelty of war by capturing ordinary people who were bombed, crying, suffering, and left in fear. More than two years have passed since the war began, and North Korean troops have recently entered the war, so the movie offers many things to think about.
It is said that the reporters were able to make a movie by hiding a storage device containing the photos and videos they covered in tampons and sanitary pads to avoid the Russian military chasing them. The reporters won the Pulitzer Prize in public reporting, America’s most prestigious reporting award, last year in recognition of their contribution to reporting the horrors of war. The film swept 33 awards at film festivals around the world, including Best Documentary Feature at the American Academy Awards. In their Academy Award acceptance speech, the reporter said, “If I could exchange this trophy for a history in which Russia did not occupy or attack Ukraine, I would like to do so.”
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and War Journalist Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Your insights as a war journalist will shed light on the incredible impact of the documentary 20 Days in Mariupol. Can you start by explaining the significance of Mariupol in the context of the war in Ukraine?
Expert: Absolutely. Mariupol is a strategic port city in southeastern Ukraine, and during the early days of the war, it became a focal point for both military and humanitarian crises. Control of Mariupol was crucial for Russia as it would allow them to establish a land corridor to Crimea, while for Ukraine, retaining it was essential to maintain a foothold in the region. Tragically, this strategic significance translated into catastrophic human suffering, which the documentary poignantly captures.
Time.news Editor: The documentary portrays harrowing scenes, including doctors pleading to show the world the suffering of children. How critical is this human element in war reporting?
Expert: It’s vital. While statistics and military strategies are important, the human aspect drives home the brutal realities of war. By focusing on the victims—those who suffer and cry amid destruction—the documentary sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll that conflicts take on civilians. Such an approach not only engages the audience but evokes empathy and compels them to consider the broader implications of war beyond just numbers and maps.
Time.news Editor: The filmmakers faced considerable risks, even hiding recording devices in tampons and sanitary pads to evade authorities. What does this say about the challenges reporters face in conflict zones?
Expert: It underscores the extreme lengths that journalists go to in order to report the truth. In active conflict zones, the threat of censorship, detention, or violence against journalists is very real. The ethical dilemma they face can also be profound—balancing the need to capture the harsh realities of war with the urgent need to assist those in dire situations. The dedication shown by these reporters highlights their commitment to revealing the truth, no matter the personal cost.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned earlier that this film has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. What impact do you think recognition like this has on war journalism and public awareness?
Expert: Recognizing works like 20 Days in Mariupol has several effects. First, it elevates the discourse around war, urging audiences to engage with the content and consider its implications. Awards also affirm the role of journalism in documenting history and holding power accountable, which is vital in a time when misinformation spreads rapidly. Furthermore, it can inspire upcoming journalists to pursue impactful storytelling, recognizing that their work can change perceptions and foster understanding about complex issues.
Time.news Editor: The documentary opens with the narration, “Wars begin with silence, not explosions.” What do you think this means in the larger context of conflict?
Expert: That line encapsulates a profound truth about war. Often, it’s the silence—of warnings ignored, of apathy from the global community, or the quiet suffering of civilians before the chaos erupts—that heralds the beginning of conflict. It reminds us that awareness and action are crucial in preventing war. When we turn a blind eye, we risk allowing tragedy to unfold silently until it’s too late, as we saw in Mariupol.
Time.news Editor: beyond raising awareness, what do you think is the most important takeaway from this documentary, especially as more complexities emerge in the conflict like the involvement of North Korean troops?
Expert: The documentary compels us to confront the harsh reality that war devastates lives and communities, not just geopolitics. It challenges viewers to see the individual stories behind statistics and news headlines—reminding us that the consequences of war extend far beyond the battlefield. As complexities deepen, including new international players joining the fray, we must not forget the human cost that continues to mount. Ultimately, the hope is that by viewing such documentaries, audiences will unify in voicing against such aggressions and advocate for peace.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today. It’s vital that we keep these conversations alive as the world continues to witness the tragic impacts of war.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s conversations like these that amplify the voices of those in conflict zones and remind us all of our shared humanity.